I am going to use this editorial space to talk about a couple of "worship" items.

In July we experimented with one service on Sunday morning. Throughout

August, we sought the members' feedback on this by a survey. Please understand the

purpose of this survey. It was NOT a vote to see if we should continue doing this or not.

The purpose of the survey was to see if there is enough interest to continue investigating

if having one service on Sunday at certain times of the year may be a beneficial option for

our congregation. For example, if the survey had revealed that the majority of the

members expressed an unfavorable reaction to the July experiment that would tell us to

simply drop the topic. The case is, however, that the majority expressed a favorable

reaction to the one Sunday service in July. That does NOT mean that we are

automatically going to do this again next July, or during the summer months, or

whenever. It DOES mean that we have reason to look into this further, as worship

planners, the Board of Elders, the Church Council, the members as a whole, and

ultimately the Voters. We still need to weigh carefully and prayerfully the positive

aspects of one service on Sunday with the concerns that were raised. We will be looking

at what serves and benefits the membership as a whole as well as how to educate and

edify those who need it. In short, "buckle in" for the process; there will be times when

you will be an integral part of this process. Along the same lines, we hope and pray that

you also do not view your church attendance (or lack of it) as your vote for either one or

two services on Sunday. As people redeemed by Christ, we will want to gather regularly

to be in the Word of our Savior and worship him (Colossians 3:16) as well as to

encourage one another in our faith and Christian living (Hebrews 10:25). Therefore, out

of love and thanks to Christ, we will want to attend regularly, no matter what the service

times are.

It has also been brought to our attention what has been going on recently in the

Cry Room (or Mother's Room/Parent's Room, if you prefer). Please keep in mind that the

purpose of the Cry Room is for parents (or other "child-watchers") to go when a young

child becomes disruptive during the service. The sound is piped into the room so that

adults and children can still be a part of the service! The Cry Room is not a playroom or a

place for conversation. It is to be used until the young child has calmed down (or is fed or

changed, if that needs to be done), but it is not a place for children to "escape" the worship service. We believe that God's Word is the power the Holy Spirit uses to work in

little children as well as those who are older. Let's help our children to join us in showing

that reverent respect for God's Word as well as that proper respect for all who gather to

worship our Savior!